Motion Picture Herald (Jul-Aug 1943)

38 MOTION PICTURE HERALD July 31, 1943 THE HOLLYWOOD SCENE From HOLLYWOOD BUREAU The biggest news on the production front, which closed its week with 51 pictures in shooting stage, was the start of "Buffalo Bill," the $1,500,000 Technicolor biography of that great westerner which that other great westerner, Harry Sherman, is producing for Twentieth Century-Fox release. Designed to set a new high for excellence in its field, the picture stars Joel McCrea in the title role with Maureen O'Hara, Linda Darnell, Thomas Mitchell, Edgar Buchanan, Vincent Price, Anthony Quinn and E. J. Ballantine in the supporting cast, William Wellman directing for producer Sherman. Twentieth Century Fox also started "Tampico," a Robert Bassler production directed by Lothar Mendes, with Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari, Victor McLaglen, Marc Lawrence, Robert Bailey, Charles Lang and others. Bronston Sends "Jack London" Into Work for UA Release Samuel Bronston sent "Jack London" before the cameras, for United Artists release. Directed by Alfred Santell, this biography of the adventure novelist presents Michael O'Shea, Susan Hayward, Ralph Morgan and Jonathon Hale. Columbia started "Is Everybody Happy," identifiable by that title in any company as the life story of Ted Lewis, which has that high-hatted tragedian of jazz and his band accompanied by Nan Wynn, Lynn Merrick, Michael Duane, Harry Barris and others. Irving Briskin is producing it, Charles Barton directing. Monogram started "College Sweetheart," one of the Lindsley Parsons productions directed by Arthur Dreifuss, which offers Gale Storm, Robert Lowery, Johnny Downs, Claudia Drake and others. "The Girl from Leningrad," the Gregor Rabinowitch production, with Eugene Frenke as associate producer, for United Artists. Anne Aten, Kent Smith, Mimi Forsaythe, Alexander Grenach and Paul Guilfoyle are in the cast, under the direction of Fedor Ozep. RKO Radio launched "Gildersleeve on Broadway," in which Gildersleeve (Harold Peary) is supported by Billie Burke, Margaret Landry and Michael Roald, with Gordon Douglas directing for producer Herman Schlom. "In Old Oklahoma," Big Republic Film, Starts Republic launched "In Old Oklahoma," one of its big pictures for the coming season, with John Wayne and Martha Scott supported by Albert Dekker, Marjorie Rambeau, George Hayes and others. Robert North is producing, Albert S. Rogell directing. Universal started "The Professor Goes Wild," starring Grace McDonald, with David Bruce, George Dolentz, Eddie Lebaron and orchestra and other supporting talent. It's being produced by Frank Gross with Reginald LeBorg directing. In addition to his "Buffalo Bill," for Twentieth-Fox, Harry Sherman also started Sherman Starts 'Buffalo Bill9 The high total of 51 features were on the stages of Hollywood studios at the end of last week, with I I new pictures started during the week. The most important picture to get under way was "Buffalo Bill," which Harry Sherman is producing for Twentieth Century-Fox. During that period, three films were completed. The production scene at the weekend: COMPLETED RKO Radio So This Is Washington Republic Raiders of Sunset Pass Universal You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith STARTED Columbia Is Everybody Happy? Monogram College Sweetheart RKO Radio Gildersleeve on Broadway Republic In Old Oklahoma 20th-Fox Buffalo Bill Tampico United Artists Jack London (Bronston) Girl from Leningrad (R & F) Texas Masquerade (Sherman) Universal Professor Goes Wild Warners Rhapsody in Blue SHOOTING Columbia Tropicana Cover Girl There's Something About a Soldier Doughboys in Ireland Goldwyn Up in Arms MGM Broadway Rhythm Meet the People White Cliffs of Dover Cross of Lorraine Heavenly Body America Madame Curie Guy Named Joe See Here, Private Hargrove Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble Monogram 13th Guest Paramount Ministry of Fear Standing Room Only Story of Dr. Wassell Frenchman's Creek Timber Queen Hail the Conquering Hero RKO Radio Revenge Government Girl Around the World American Story Republic Here Comes Elmer 20th-Fox Happy Land Guadalcanal Diary Pin-Up Girl Universal Crazy House Man of the Family Ali Baba and 40 Thieves His Butler's Sister Hi Ya, Sailor Warners Conflict In Our Time Northern Pursuit Destination Tokyo Shine On, Harvest Moon "Texas Masquerade," another Hopalong Cassidy Western, for United Artists. Andy Clyde and Jimme Rogers pal with William Boyd in this number in the series, with George Archainbaud directing. Warner Brothers put "Rhapsody in Blue," the melodic story of the late George Gershwin, into production, with Jesse L. Lasky producing and Irving Rapper directing. Joan Leslie, Robert Alda, Charles Coburn, Paul Whiteman, Al Jolson, George White and Oscar Levant are among those present at this point in a cast which promises to set a record for personal portrayals by living notables. First Cagney Picture N earing Completion The editing and scoring of "Johnny Come Lately," Cagney Productions' initial cinema venture, is nearing completion. Not only is the picture Cagney Productions' debut, but Grace George's as well. Miss George, long a stage favorite, plays the role of a small town newspaper publisher. David O. Selznick has announced the signing of Neil Hamilton to a long term contract, his first assignment being in the role of husband in Mr. Selznick's forthcoming picture, "Since You Went Away," to be released by United Artists. Josephine Von Miklos, Austrian born writer, has also been signed by Mr. Selznick to write dramatic sequences for the picture. Gregory Peck, brought to Hollywood from Broadway by Casey Robinson, who shares his contract with David O. Selznick, will be loaned to Twentieth Century-Fox for the leading role of Father Chisholm in the screen adaptation of A. J. Cronin's "The Keys of the Kingdom." Ingrid Bergman is the probable choice for "Sister Marie Veronica." Ben Bogeaus has acquired the screen rights to "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," an early Thornton Wilder novel, from Henry Weisman for $50,000, and will produce it for United Artists ahead of his scheduled "There Goes Lona Henry." Stromberg Signs Lee Garmes As Production Aide Lee Garmes, cameraman loaned by Hunt Stromberg to Samuel Bronston for the filming of "The Life of Jack London" has been signed by Mr. Stromberg to a long term contract as his assistant and chief of the photographic staff. Academy award winner, photographer on "Gone With the Wind," Mr. Garmes assumes his new duties with Mr. Stromberg upon completion of his work on "The Life of Jack London," a forthcoming United Artists release. Glass Resigns from UA; Succeeded by Compton George Glass, west coast publicity director for United Artists, resigned this week, it was announced by Paul Lazarus, Jr., director of advertising and publicity for the company. Mr. Glass has joined the newly -formed Producing Artists, Inc., as advertising head. Walter Compton, until recently with Republic as studio publicity representative, has succeeded him at UA.